We’ve been humming the music from Lady and the Tramp all week long as we get ready for our big D23 Fanniversary party this weekend, and the movie has so many memorable songs. But which one is your favorite?
THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED
Disney’s Decades of Work with American Humane Association
D23 takes a look back at 75 years of a shared commitment to humane treatment of animals in filmed entertainment. For more information on the American Humane Association, and to take a pledge to be kind to animals, check out their Kindness 100 page!
Click on an image below to see a larger version of the timeline!
Disney Fans to the Rescue: D23 Members’ Adopted Dogs
In Lady and the Tramp, we see the plight of dogs at the pound waiting for loving homes. Last week, we found out that D23 Members are the pup-parents of a whole host of rescued dogs, and maybe it’s because they saw Peg and the gang in the pound! To celebrate D23 Fanniversary Home Edition this weekend, here are some of our members’ doggone cutest adopted pets.
To take a pledge to be kind to animals, including adopting your pets from an animal shelter, check out the American Humane Association’s Kindness 100 page!
Meghan’s dog, Blue, was found in a shopping center as a puppy, but now he’s a pampered pooch who dressed up as Eeyore for Halloween!
Linda’s dog, Mickie, is a Disney fan, too—complete with her own hidden Mickey on her fur.
Stitch is a part of Sergio’s “ohana,” but we’re pretty sure he’s not an alien.
Queen Elsa is our kind of girl—a Disney fan and a Star Wars fan (as proven by her Yoda ears).
Baxter is a Walt Disney World native, who was adopted from Lab Rescue of Florida.
Nala thinks of the backyard as her Pridelands.
Peanut collects Tsum Tsums, and even thinks he might be one.
This dog’s name is Scamp, and we can only imagine the roaring D23 Fanniversary party he’s having this weekend.
Frozen Comes to Epcot—And More in News Briefs
Ride Into the World of Frozen at Epcot in 2016
Wanna spend some quality time in the kingdom of Arendelle with Elsa, Anna, Kristof, and Olaf the snowman?
Epcot’s new attraction, Frozen Ever After, will be an adventure fit for the entire family, where guests will feel like they’ve stepped right into the magical world of the film! Replacing the Norway Pavilion’s Maelstrom, Frozen Ever After will transport riders to the “Winter in Summer Celebration,” where Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers and creates a wintery summer’s day for the entire kingdom. Guests will also visit Elsa’s Ice Palace, as well the icy North Mountain, and they’ll meet all their favorite characters along the way.
The Pavilion’s exterior will be also expanded with many unique Norwegian architectural features, and the interior design of the “Royal Sommerhus” will reflect the cultural arts and crafts of Norway—providing a unique new setting for guests to meet and greet Elsa and Anna, live and in person! What more could a Frozen fan want?!
Look for Frozen Ever After to debut at Epcot in 2016.
Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
| D23 and Walt Disney Archives June 20 D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives July 18 D23 Celebrates Disneyland, U.S.A. August 14-16 D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California Fall 2015 D23 Member VIP Nights at The Lion King Studios June 19 Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava). July 17 The Good Dinosaur opens in theaters. November 25 Ant Man opens in theaters. December 18 Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in theaters. |
Parks May 15–June 14 Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29; and December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park Television June 9 73-hour-long Phineas and Ferb marathon kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD June 12 Phineas and Ferb, “Last Day of Summer” premieres at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD |
New Ant-Man Trailer: Heroes Don’t Get Any Bigger!
We’ve marked our calendars and are anxiously awaiting the newest member of the Marvel family, Ant-Man’s arrival on the big screen! July 17 seems so far away, right? Thankfully, Marvel is whetting our collective appetite once more with a brand-new trailer…
Ant-Man stars Paul Rudd (This is 40, Anchorman) as Scott Lang—a master thief who’s forced to embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of world-changing threats.
Climb Disneyland’s Reimagined Matterhorn with this Behind-the-Scenes Look
Brrr! Feel that chill in the air? It’s coming off of the updated (and very awesome) Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland Park—an attraction that reopened just in time for the kick-off of Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration. Check out this video from Walt Disney Imagineering for a look at how the scary, hairy new Abominable Snowman was created… and find out how the designers tipped their hard hats to the attraction’s past.
See the Light with Tangled Animated Series
Rapunzel and Flynn and Maximus, oh my! Disney Channel recently revealed plans for a Tangled animated series to debut in 2017… and D23 has the whole thing covered! We’re particularly excited that the film’s stars, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, will be back—as well as composers Alan Menken and Glenn Slater.
The new series takes place between the events of the Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film and the beginning of the 2012 short, Tangled Ever After, as Rapunzel acquaints herself with her parents, her kingdom, and the people of Corona.
Join Riley for a Slice of Pizza in New Inside Out Clip
Oh man—the anticipation is building like whoa for Inside Out’s theatrical premiere on June 19. We seriously cannot wait to meet Riley and all her emotions: Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness… especially after seeing everyone in action in this brand-new clip. Seems that Riley’s dad is called away from family fun to go into work, so it’s up to Joy to remedy the situation. Will a slice of pizza do the trick?
Disney Cruise Lines Set Sail Through the Land of Frozen
The first-ever Disney Cruise through the beautiful Norwegian fjords just set sail from Copenhagen; it’s a magical journey through the land that inspired Frozen—and of course Arendelle’s most famous siblings, Anna and Elsa, will be on hand for all the fun! Several more Norwegian jaunts are planned for the Disney Magic through June and into next year.
If you’re more of a land-lubber, fret not: You can fjord along with the Disney Magic as the ship’s cruise director, Brent Davies, offers up some fantastic, up-to-the-minute first-person accounts at the Disney Parks Blog.
Cross the Bridge of Spies with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg
“In the shadow of war, one man showed the world what we stand for.” Bridge of Spies, the latest film from famed director Steven Spielberg, stars Oscar® winner Tom Hanks as James Donovan—a real-life Brooklyn lawyer thrust onto the international stage when he’s asked to negotiate the release of a captured American pilot during the height of the Cold War. This DreamWorks drama is being released by Disney’s Touchstone Pictures, and also stars Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, and Alan Alda.
Check out the chilling new trailer for Bridge of Spies, above… and mark your calendars for its October release.
Relive Your Favorite Disney Animation Short Films… on Blu-ray!
Walt Disney Animation Studios has been making hilarious, heart-warming, and award-winning animated shorts for years; we seriously still laugh out loud imagining Goofy’s antics in How to Hook Up Your Home Theater. For the first time ever, WDAS is releasing an amazing new collection of beloved short films (including the never-before-released Frozen Fever, and the Oscar®-nominated Lorenzo) on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD this August—and we seriously couldn’t be more excited!
The Short Films Collection also includes the 2012 groundbreaking Mickey Mouse cartoon, Get A Horse!, as well as Oscar winners Paperman and Feast. The collection also features all-new extras, including introductions and interviews with the Disney Animation filmmakers themselves. Get a sneak peek at the fun with this new trailer!
Get Small with Ant-Man Sneak Peek at Disney California Adventure
Great news, Marvel fans! This summer, the Bug’s Life Theater at Disney California Adventure will host a special sneak peek of the new action-adventure Ant-Man, starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, and Michael Douglas! For a limited time starting June 19, this special preview will give audiences an advance look at scenes from the film, presented in 3-D (cool!) with special in-theater effects that can only be experienced at Disney Parks. And don’t miss the opportunity to check out an Ant-Man suit from the actual film, also on display at Bug’s Life Theater.
Experience the Star Wars Saga Like Never Before!
If you’re anything like us, you’re shivering with anticipation over the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens this December. Disney-Lucasfilm Press knows we need something to keep us occupied ’til then, so they’ve decided to revise the saga for a whole new generation… of readers! In a new book series, fans can experience the original trilogy in an entirely different way, with Star Wars: A New Hope—The Princess, The Scoundrel, and The Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back—So You Want to Be a Jedi by Adam Gidwitz; and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi—Beware the Power of the Dark Side! by Tom Angleberger.
These are more than just retellings of the three original Star Wars movies—they’re true to the films while also offering a fresh take and a chance to get inside the characters’ heads. Look for the Star Wars book trilogy on shelves September 22.
Meet Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior Stars at D23 EXPO 2015
The talented stars and creators from tweens, teens, and families’ favorite Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior series will be at D23 EXPO 2015, August 14–16, at the Anaheim Convention Center!
The hot-off-the-presses schedule features “inside-the-magic” experiences that include star-studded musical performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Holt, Bea Miller, Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, and a Teen Beach 2 Dance Party; a sneak peek at Disney Junior’s upcoming The Lion Guard; meet and greets with beloved characters from top-rated series like Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins; the premiere of an all-new Mickey Mouse cartoon short; and more.
Here’s the weekend’s line-up:
On Friday, August 14, fans can attend a performance by Disney Channel star Olivia Holt.
On Saturday, August 15, Sofia the First’s Ariel Winter will be a special reader during Disney Junior story time. Plus, fans can catch performances by Girl Meets World star Sabrina Carpenter, Disney’s Descendants stars Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson, and Radio Disney’s NBT Bea Miller. Also, popular radio personalities from Radio Disney will be on site for a Radio Disney dance party. Then, fans can join creators of hit Disney XD animation series for the New Disney Storytellers panel, which will offer a glimpse into the vision and inspiration that go into a Disney XD animated series.
On Sunday, August 16, younger kids and their families can start off with Disney Junior story time featuring special guest reader Loretta Devine from Doc McStuffins, and then get up and groove with Radio Disney Junior at a special dance party. Later in the day, tweens, teens, and families can catch the debut of an all-new Mickey Mouse cartoon short entitled “Wishing Well,” then boogie at a Teen Beach 2 dance party, featuring stars from the movie and its choreographer, Chris Scott.
*Schedule is subject to change.
Throughout the three-day event, Radio Disney on-air personalities will be hosting electrifying Center Stage performances and events, while casts from fans’ favorite Disney Channel and Disney XD series and movies will be making special appearances and signing autographs in the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion. They include fans’ favorite stars from Disney Channel’s Descendants, Teen Beach 2, Liv and Maddie, Jessie, Dog With A Blog, I Didn’t Do It, Girl Meets World, K.C. Undercover, Austin & Ally, BUNK’D, and Best Friends Whenever as well as Disney XD’s Lab Rats: Bionic Island, Mighty Med, Kirby Buckets, and Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything.
Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Now through June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.
Love Is a Song—Disney Wedding Playlists
When it comes to planning a wedding, there are so many ways that Disney fans like to marry—sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves—their love for Disney with the way they choose to celebrate their love as a couple. In the summer issue of Disney twenty-three, we take a look at some pretty spectacular weddings that have taken place at Disney parks and resorts. But no matter where you live or choose to get married, Disney music can set a magical tone that turns a wedding into a fairy tale or a flight of fancy that’s as unique as the couple getting hitched.
The possibilities are endless for incorporating Disney songs, scores, and soundtracks into a wedding ceremony and reception. Most of the brides and grooms we spoke with had a hard time narrowing down their choices for their wedding, and they were all happy to offer up suggestions that can take a happy couple from their walk down the aisle to a truly spectacular send-off.
May we present a few Disney alternatives to “Here Comes the Bride…”
Down the Aisle…:
“Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty
“Married Life” from Up
“Define Dancing” from WALL•E
“Jolly Holiday” and “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins
“Smiles” from the Main Street, U.S.A. music loop
…And Up the Aisle:
“The Incredits” from The Incredibles
“Fantasmic! Exit Music” from Fantasmic!
“Transformation” and “Finale” from Beauty and the Beast
“Rhapsody in Blue” from Fantasia/2000
“Soarin'” theme from Soarin’ Over California
“The Main Street Electrical Parade” from A Musical History of Disneyland
“That’s How You Know” from Enchanted
“Another Part of Me” from Captain EO
First Dance:
“I See the Light” from Tangled
“Bright Little Star” as performed by Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café at Walt Disney World® Resort
“Are We Dancing?” from The Happiest Millionaire
“So Close” from Enchanted
“Never Knew I Needed” from The Princess and the Frog
Be Our Guest—Dining Music
“Le Festin” from Ratatouille
“Ma Bell Evangeline” from The Princess and the Frog
“A Bug’s Life Suite” from a bug’s life
“Steamboat Willie” – Mickey’s Toontown Area Music from The Official Album of Disneyland
“Legacy” – EPCOT® Entrance Area Music from Four Parks, One World—Walt Disney World Official Album
“Spaceship Earth” from Four Parks, One World—Walt Disney World Official Album
“Grim Grinning Ghosts” from Une Journee a Disneyland Paris
“Tapestry Of Nations” from Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration
“Sooner or Later” – Critter Country Area Music from The Official Album of Disneyland
“Kingdom Celebration” from Tangled
These are our suggestions for just some of the traditional wedding moments where music comes into play. But there are so many other opportunities to put a Disney song in your heart—or your guests’ hearts—at a wedding. From the mother/son dance—”You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan is a favorite—to a touching moment when a bride and her father dance to a song like “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppets—to a couple making their “grand entrance” to the tune of “A Whole New World” from Aladdin, Disney songs can be a part of any couple’s wedding “soundtrack.”
Disney fans know that all of their favorite movies and attractions tell stories, and they see their wedding as a story of their very own. They also know that telling the perfect story is all about the details. When Ashley Richards was deciding how she wanted her fairy-tale wedding to end, she looked to a favorite Epcot spectacular, IllumiNations, and selected the exit music—a subtle but meaningful choice. And Steven and Melody Vagnini turned their shared love for Mary Poppins into a magical moment that involved their families. They chose “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” for their send-off song—and with the help of hand-made, hand-held kites that guests could wave (made by über-crafty members of Steven’s family)—they enjoyed a colorful, spirited, and joyful start to their life as a married couple.
Now that’s a happy ending, Disney-style!
See How These Fans Added a Little Pixie Dust to their Weddings
You often hear weddings described with words like “fairy tale,” “magic,” and “dream come true,” and it’s no coincidence that these words are used to describe Disney, too! See how some of these creative fans made their love of Disney part of their big day.
Andrea’s processional was to “I See the Light”, and she used this adorable Tangled cake topper.
Devon made candles for her tables using the sheet music from Sleeping Beauty.
The silhouette of Cinderella dancing with her prince inspired Gertie’s invitations.
James and his husband wore pins celebrating one of their favorite Disney couples: Wall•E and EVE.
Jessica and her maid of honor hand-made these not-so-hidden Mickey centerpieces.
Each of Kimberly’s reception tables was themed after a different attraction at Disneyland.
Kristen showed her love of Disney history and heritage by having her wedding reception at the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Megan’s wedding was Alice in Wonderland-themed, completed with Mad Tea Party centerpieces!
Meredith wore these comfy and stylish Mickey shoes to dance in at her wedding reception.
We love Mindy’s idea: Why not pose for wedding photos in your mouse ears?
Favorite Disney Weddings
Summer is upon us—and so is love!
It’s that special time of year when folks all over the globe are getting married—so we thought it apropos to reminisce about some of our most favorite Disney nuptials. Cue the processional…
The Little Mermaid
It took some doing—or should we say, UNdoing—for Ariel to finally have her happy ending with Prince Eric. And not only does she marry the love of her life, but now she also gets to collect all the dinglehoppers and whatsits-galore she could ever want. Win-win!
Cinderella (2015)
We’re going with the recent live-action retelling of Cinderella for several reasons—chief among them, Ella’s amazingly beautiful wedding dress! We didn’t think anything could top her iconic sparkly-blue frock, but we’d kill to walk down the aisle in this gown. Bonus: It’s available for brides in real life.
Enchanted
Ok, so Giselle and Prince Edward never ACTUALLY got married, but their fairy tale wedding makes our list if only because of Giselle’s incredibly voluminous wedding dress! Honorable mention goes to Robert’s ex-girlfriend Nancy, whose wedding to Prince Edward marks the start of a whole new (animated) chapter in her life.
The Princess and the Frog
Tiana and Naveen’s wedding in the middle of a Louisiana swamp (as presided over by Mama Odie) was one of the more magical nuptials on Disney record. Surrounded by a gaggle of bayou creatures, the pair’s love turned them back into humans just in the nick of time. As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
Robin Hood
Robin may have stolen from the rich to give to the poor, but he also stole Maid Marian’s heart! Thank goodness King Richard returned from the Crusades and put his evil brother, Prince John, in jail… otherwise, this particular wedding might’ve never happened.
Tangled Ever After
Rapunzel and Flynn (excuse us, Eugene) sure have a rocky start to their wedding ceremony. Leave it to Maximus the horse and Pascal the chameleon to lose the ring—and cause a complete ruckus trying to recover it! With so many shenanigans afoot, it’s a miracle our two lovebirds make it out unscathed.
Snow and Charming’s Wedding on Once Upon a Time
These two have faced countless hurdles, and yet, they still managed to get married despite the Evil Queen and they found each other in Storybrooke. On top of it all, the actors who play Snow and Charming (Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas) are now married in real life! Talk about “happily ever after”!
Sleeping Beauty
One of the more iconic weddings in the Disney pantheon, the grand finale of the 1959 animated film found an awakened Aurora finding happiness with Prince Phillip—all while wearing a fabulous color-changing dress, thanks to good fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.
Up
We seriously needed our hankies for this one. Carl and Ellie’s wedding in 2009’s Up was as charming and quirky as its bride and groom, and it signaled the start of decades of love. No wonder so many real-life couples are now having Up-themed weddings.
One Hundred and One Dalmatians
If it weren’t for Pongo the Dalmatian, lonely songwriter Roger would’ve never met the love of his life, Anita, in that London park. And not only did he find his human a mate, Pongo found one for himself—the beautiful Perdita. Weddings aren’t just for people, y’know…
Playmation Takes Play to a Whole New Level
This week, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) introduced the world to Playmation—the next step in the evolution of play, where digital gets physical and imagination becomes real. The groundbreaking system of toys and wearables uses smart technology to inspire kids to run around and use their imaginations, as they become the hero or heroine of stories from across The Walt Disney Company.
The big announcement was made in Hollywood, with D23 Members on hand to be the first to hear the news and watch live demos of Playmation in action.
First up is Playmation Marvel’s Avengers, which hits shelves this October. At launch, the Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack will include five connected toys: one piece of Avenger Gear (Repulsor), two Power Activators and two Smart Figures—a Super Hero (Captain America) and a Super Villain (Iron Skull). Getting started is easy, strap the high-tech Repulsor Gear onto your arm (it fits adults, too!) and listen closely to JARVIS as he takes you through the tutorial on how to control your new Gear, inspired by Iron Man technology. Other Playmation Marvel’s Avengers connected toys that work with the Starter Pack will also be available separately for purchase at launch, with more on the way.
Also available at launch, is the AvengersNet app where you can register your Avenger Gear to see progress, explore additional locations and characters, and get access to new missions. New recruits to the Avengers can fight Marvel Super Villains including Ultron, Iron Skull, and Loki, or join fellow Avengers Super Heroes like Black Widow, Falcon, and more as they battle to save the Earth by running, jumping, ducking, and dodging—whatever each challenge requires.
“With Playmation Marvel’s Avengers, the very best of Marvel storytelling is infused into every aspect of the system to further spark imaginative, active play,” said Joe Quesada, chief creative officer, Marvel. “Playmation offers kids a dynamic way to interact with their favorite Super Heroes—I wish it was around when I was a kid!”
Playmation Marvel’s Avengers uses familiar technologies including smart toys, wearables, wireless technology, motion sensors, and more, but applies them in ways that are completely new to create an experience that’s never been possible before. Playmation is purposely not tethered to an Internet connection so players can run around and explore each adventure from anywhere they want—a bedroom, living room, or yard. With multiplayer modes, recruits can sync their Avenger Gear to tackle missions and combat arenas together, or face off in competitive play.
The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack will have a suggested retail price of $119.99 and will launch in October 2015 in the United States and Canada at mass and specialty retailers, select Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com, and will be available for pre-order starting July 7.
Star Wars and Disney Frozen systems are currently in development for 2016 and 2017, respectively.
For more information, visit www.playmation.com.
See Broadway’s Best in Concert at D23 EXPO 2015
Think of the thrill that comes from experiencing a Disney song performed live in one of Disney Theatrical’s award-winning musicals. Fans at D23 EXPO 2015 can expect a truly special experience on Saturday, August 15, when Disney Theatrical brings Broadway to Anaheim with the just-announced Disney on Broadway’s “THE ORIGINALS.” In anticipation of high fan-demand, two performances of the concert will be presented, at 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. in Stage 23.
Disney on Broadway’s “THE ORIGINALS” stars Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” (Ashley Brown), “Tarzan” (Josh Strickland), and “Genie” (James Monroe Iglehart) from Aladdin. The “originals” will entertain and delight D23 EXPO attendees by performing favorite musical highlights from the Disney on Broadway catalogue. Tony Award® winner James Monroe Iglehart will also serve as host for this 70-minute, live performance that features a five-piece band of Broadway’s best musicians with special behind-the-scenes videos and interviews that promise to enthrall Disney on Broadway fans of all ages.
Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Through June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.